The world awaits Zookie (9)
Hlukani 'Zookie' Maswanganyi (9), from Dersley Park, recently won the title of Little Mr World South Africa 2017.
Zookie is an aspiring actor, model and singer who was raised in Springs and found his love for the spotlight after he gained confidence through training at a local modelling school.
Since 2014, he has appeared in TV commercials for leading brands and taken part in various modelling competitions, where he felt the first rush of excitement of being on stage in front of a large crowd.
• Read: Zookie discovered by international talent scout
In 2015, Zookie was scouted by an international talent agent.
The title of Little Mr World South Africa 2017 qualifies him to represent South Africa in the international competition, Little Miss/Mister World 2017, which will be held at the 27th International Children’s Competition-Festival, which takes place from May 5 to 14, in Bodrum, Turkey.
Zookie’s mother, Portia Lopes Das Dores, says this event is of a high artistic standard and has been hosted for 23 years in various countries, such as Russia, South Africa, Turkey and Spain.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to represent the culture and traditions of their people and for the establishment of friendly relations between children of different nations,” she says.
The main objective of the contest is to promote cultural and aesthetic education of children and adolescents, to reveal their best qualities as well as create an atmosphere of friendship and understanding between the participants and guests.
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Portia says Zookie’s trip will cost R130 000 and the family is in need of sponsorship for this.For more information, contact Carolyn Botha, of Pageant SA, on 011 849 1087 or 082 443 4423 or Portia on 083 681 5570.
